Akshi Tarpan (Netra Tarpan)
Akshi Tarpan, also called Netra Tarpan or Netra Basti, is a classical Ayurvedic eye therapy. A ring of black-gram dough is placed around the eyes and filled with warm medicated ghee, in which you gently blink and move your eyes for a set time. It is traditionally used to nourish and soothe the eyes.
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- Tired, strained eyes from long screen use
- Dry, gritty eyes
- As a supportive therapy in some eye conditions, alongside an ophthalmologist’s care
Precautions & Safety
Akshi Tarpan is not suitable during an active eye infection, conjunctivitis, eye injury or after recent eye surgery. It never replaces examination and treatment by an eye specialist, and you must continue any prescribed eye drops, especially for glaucoma. See an eye doctor urgently for sudden vision loss, eye pain, flashes or floaters. Do not drive until your vision is clear after the session.
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What to Expect
- You lie on your back; dough rings are placed around both eyes.
- Lukewarm medicated ghee is poured in; you keep your eyes open and blink gently for a few minutes.
- The ghee is removed and the eyes are cleaned; vision may be blurry for a short time.
- A short course of sessions is usual.
What the Evidence Shows
The research is limited to small trials from a small number of centres:
- In dry eye syndrome, two Tarpana preparations were compared in a randomised trial [1].
- In myopia, small studies examined Akshi Tarpan with different ghee preparations, including combination with Nasya [2, 3].
- In primary open-angle glaucoma, Tarpana was studied together with standard anti-glaucoma eye drops, not instead of them [4].
- In computer vision syndrome, a pilot study tested Ayurvedic treatment including local therapy and advice on working conditions [5].
These studies are too small to prove benefit. Akshi Tarpan should be seen as a supportive therapy, not a treatment for eye disease.
Prepared by the AyurSoul Healthcare team from the published research listed below. Medical review by Dr. Hemlata Soni, BAMS is in progress. This page is for education and does not replace individual medical advice. Medical disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akshi Tarpan painful?
No. It may feel strange at first to keep your eyes open in ghee, but it should not hurt. Tell the therapist if you feel discomfort.
Can it correct my glasses power?
We cannot promise that. Small studies have looked at myopia, but there is no reliable evidence that it corrects vision.
Do I need an eye check first?
Yes, especially if you have any eye condition. Please bring your latest eye prescription and reports.
Clinical Research
5 studies: 1 randomised trial, 1 pilot study, 3 clinical studies.
Show the 5 studies
Numbers in the text refer to this list. Each study is labelled by type: systematic reviews and randomised trials are stronger evidence than pilot studies or single case reports.
- Timmapur GM, Fiaz S. Efficacy of Triphala Ghrita and Goghrita Manda Tarpana in the management of Shushkakshipaka w.s.r. to dry eye syndrome: An open labelled randomized comparative clinical trial. Ayu, 2020. Randomised controlled trial PubMed
- Poonam, Manjusha R, Vaghela DB, et al.. A clinical study on the role of Akshi Tarpana with Jeevantyadi Ghrita in Timira (Myopia). Ayu, 2011. Clinical study PubMed
- Gupta DP, Rajagopala M, Dhiman KS. A clinical study on Akshitarpana and combination of Akshitarpana with Nasya therapy in Timira with special reference to myopia. Ayu, 2010. Clinical study PubMed
- Agrawal S, Rajagopala M. Clinical study on primary open-angle glaucoma with Ashchyotana, Tarpana and oral medication. Ayu, 2017. Clinical study PubMed
- Dhiman KS, Ahuja DK, Sharma SK. Clinical efficacy of Ayurvedic management in computer vision syndrome: A pilot study. Ayu, 2012. Pilot / feasibility study PubMed